Bueno!

It was our last day and we had given it all over to sorting the purchase out, trying our best to stay level headed after the mixed emotions of excitement and trepidation felt by us both the night before.

We had had little sleep sitting in the hotel room trying to justify just what we had done, after all, we had only come over to look!

Mark came bright and early to pick us up shaking my hand and kissing Rose on the cheeks, he appeared genuinely pleased for us and insisted we get straight on with it as there were several people to see and things to do.

He commented, as he did several times later, on his surprise at the vendor's agreement to accept the price we had offered, but if it is to be?

Over the next six hours we raced from place to place setting up a Spanish bank account, enlisting the services of a Spanish lawyer, contacting the electric and phone companies, visiting a Spanish Notary who signed our Escatora, signed numerous forms, (most of which were in Spanish) and gave Carte Blanche to our solicitors to take and sign whatever else was needed to complete the sale.

Talk about diving in with both feet! Looking back I doubt whether given a bit more time we'd have done it that way but as it was, luck was on our side and the people chosen to deal with our affairs turned out to be most helpful and honest if not the cheapest.

There was however one final loose end to sort out and that was the inevitable exchange of contracts. We were informed that an English Notary had, by law, to confirm who we were and relay those details of confirmation to the Spanish lawyers.

This should be done by transfer of certain documents by hand but the challenge was that as of the coming 1st of January, the tax laws were to change in Spain and if completion took place after this time we would be liable to a bill of around another £12000.

We had already spent up to our allotted budget with all the fees paid out. In fact we had paid out about three times more than our initial estimate in fees alone but some would come back later. The problem was that due to work and family commitments there was no way we could get back within the next few weeks, after all it was the 22nd November now.

So an oral compromise was agreed with the lawyers who stated that if we could get a Notary from England to contact them and confirm who he was and supply by fax what they wanted, they would accept it in good faith until we could get the original documents over.

Talk about bending the rules, to be fair Mark never thought they would agree to it but the one point that had secured their decision was the fact that we had visited the Spanish Notary who had signed our application for Spanish home ownership.

By early evening we had just about completed all we could do here, so with a deadline of the 31st December for completion, Mark took us back to our hotel and joined us for a drink.

It was safe to say that although we appeared all smiles and happiness on the outside, there was still the nagging thought of doubt about whether this was really what we wanted and had we done the right thing. Strangely, we never saw the house again on that visit having to fly back the next day, we didn't even have a picture of it, how weird is that!

Back in England we arrived home weary and confused. The week had flown by and had been for the most part an eye opening experience. Rose had made loads of notes and copied as many documents as possible while we awaited the solicitors to email us everything we needed at our end to complete the deal. The money was ready, the contracts were ready, it was just the affirmation which was needed and it had to be done before the end of the year.

Four weeks went by without a word from Spain. We contacted Mark whose words did little to reassure with the clock ticking and only 5 days until the deadline. We had told no one save for our sons about our purchase and kept it secret until we knew things had gone through.

However, another problem had come to light which up until now had been unforeseen. The Euro exchange rate was dropping quickly meaning that by the time the deal went through, we may not have enough money to cover the cost of the house. That meant the sale would be terminated, we would lose our deposit, the house and all monies already paid in the pursuance of the sale. Christmas was a pretty stressful time that year I can tell you.

On 29th December, an email arrived with the information the Spanish lawyer required attached to a note that the information was needed back by the following day. It was the holiday period between Xmas and New Year and we were frantic. Luckily, a local Notary in Bridport was available to see us and an appointment was made.

Rose however was poorly with a serious bout of influenza which had restricted her to bed for the last couple of days. The challenge was that both of us had to be present at the Bridport office for witness of signature and identification through production of passports which meant Rose had to be there.

I remember I had to half carry my poor wife to the car and again along the road before finally getting her to the office were a very bemused looking lawyer was awaiting our instructions. I'm sure he thought looking at the state of Rose, that I had drugged her and was forcing her to sign against her will!

For the next two hours there was a flurry of emails, telephone calls and faxes as the two offices communicated the information and counter documentation that was required by both sides. The Notary at our end though efficient, was a little judgmental for my liking stating that in England transactions like this would never be allowed or take place informing us that he would never move abroad as he didn't trust them.

At that moment I felt like telling him to shut his mouth with a half-conscious wife and a large tax bill we couldn't pay looming.

Finally, a fax came through from Spain acknowledging proof of who we were and that an acceptance of documentation was confirmed.

We paid our bill in cash to the lawyer who was still muttering his opinions of disapproval as we left his office but I didn't care, to be fair in retrospect, he was probably only trying to protect our interests, after all, we were sending every penny we had managed to raise over a wire to someone I didn't know and to a place of which I could not remember the name?

I got Rose back to her sick bed where she collapsed with exhaustion and could only now wait for the e' mail which would confirm that the contracts had been exchanged hopefully before the deadline or else this would all have been in vain.

At 3pm on 31st December 02, we received a communiqué by email confirming that the purchase and contract exchange of the Villa had been completed and that no further monies or correspondence were required. The currency exchange rate had held at .02 cents in the pound above our requirement, pheew!

The Escatora was awaiting us to pick up at the solicitor's office on the production of the original documents I had in my possession from our Notary. For all intent and purposes the property belonged to us.

Mark confirmed that all keys were in his possession and that the previous owners had moved out. He said he would keep an eye on the building for us until we came back out which we estimated would probably not be until mid February.

We brought in the New Year as owners of a run down villa in a town we knew nothing about in a foreign country with no real way of confirming any of the above. I tell you, my tip last week was to do it the Spanish way, but that doesn't take into account the unpredictability and blinkered goal of the individual. (Self criticism!) Useful Hints: Under Spanish law a deposit of around 3000 has to be handed over at the time of the bid and if accepted, there is no remuneration of that money should the buyer suddenly decide to opt out or have second thoughts. Likewise if the vendor pulls out after acceptance, they must pay back the money plus another 3000 in compensation. Beware as this can happen several times and can become expensive, make sure you're sure.

Notaries, like the town's Mayor, wield some hefty power within the community and as such their word is law so it's always a good ploy to associate yourself with them, especially the Notary, when deciding where to settle, something which few people ever do. But for taking time out to seek his little rubber-stamp and signature, we would not legally own our property now.

Useful tip: Although some of my observations may appear as if we entered into this venture somewhat gung-ho, it's only because the story is condensed, and quite honestly sometimes we were! But seriously, my watchword for anyone buying here in Spain or anywhere else abroad is Homework!' Do your homework on the system, the financial aspect, the law, the buying process, the area, the culture, the language, in fact take nothing for granted and leave nothing to chance.

We covered a multitude of eventualities and had back up plans for almost everything after endless hours of research trawling the Internet, reading books and contacting people who knew the processes. It was only time that nearly had us beat. Remember, if you're seriously looking to buy during a visit, have everything planned and ready before you go even if you don't need it. In England everything is familiar and available to see or check or contact. If everything is over a thousand miles away and in a different language, it might as well be on Mars!

Spanish facts: Time is one hour ahead of Britain.

The international dialling code is 0034.

General emergency number if you're in trouble is 112, (when answered, say Habla Inglais' and you may be put through to an operator with some English, but speak slow and be patient).

Electric supply is 220 volts, (all the electrical stuff we brought from England works fine, just change the plug or buy a 1 Euro adapter).

Don't tip big, a few coins after service left on the dish is acceptable and they will appreciate the gesture, and remember, in most places you run up a tab and pay when you leave. (Although after a recent visit to England, this was pointed out to be unacceptable by the landlord! We just forgot).

As some foreigners have found to their detriment, all police carry guns, but the Guardia Civil (dressed in green and one of three police forces in Spain) can be helpful when asked for assistance or extremely unforgiving if provoked.

And don't forget to drive on the right! (More stories about that later).

Useful phrase:
Buenos dias, tardes, noches. como esta?
Pronounced: Bwenos deeass, tardess, notchess. Como essta.
Meaning: Good morning, afternoon/evening, night. How are you?

Next week: Hey everyone, I've bought a villa in Spain!' and our first working holiday!